ZITCO GCTS

Burgsvik's Abridged Guide to the ZITCO GCTS (3249 Edition)

Foreword

This guide is intended for the native inhabitant of Indaol(-1,5) who wishes to further his understanding of the Zebulon Intergalactic Trading Company Organisation (ZITCO) Galactic Corporation Trading System (GCTS).

Brief History and Evolution of the GCTS

"The matrix of the GalCop Trading System envisages distinctive roles for intra- and inter-system traders. [T]he inter-system trader is a facilitator.... [and] the uniform cargo doctrine recognises this, providing benefits through locating commodities rather than concerning itself with comparative specifics. The intention is to prevent the inter-system trader being caught up unnecessarily in the socio-economic details of a system. " Excerpt from the Report accompanying proposals on a GalCop Trading System. 2715 G.C.T [1]

The Galactic Cooperative Trading System (GCTS) passed in 2721, was a radical document that massively reduces the 'unrestrained free-trade' that had existed throughout the galaxy. It caused the wealth and importance of merchant companies to take a nose dive, as systems were no longer dependent on them to supply their goods (which had included even vitally important goods like water, food, air). Consequently all systems were forced to become nearly autarkic, growing, mining or manufacturing the rudimentary commodities needed for maintaining at least half of their population. If the goods needed for the other half could not be internally produced, then GalCop would publicly offer fixed-term fixed-price contracts to potential suppliers. The intention behind these fixed term contracts was to remove the volatility (in both price and production) that often occurs in the regular market, thus allowing systems to grow at a steady rate. Since the GCTS was founded however, certain fundamental goods (e.g. oxygen) have become available on the Stockmarket. These are purely surplus goods often used in industrial processes, or by wealthy denizens (swimming pools are an impressive status symbol on barren worlds).

For around 400 years the GCTS ran smoothly under GalCop direction. But this came to a close when GalCop failed to effectively repel the Thargoid threat of the 32nd century. Afterwards GalCop was deemed ineffective by both the Empire and Federation following its failure to repel the Thargoid invasion. Subsequently downsized to the position of an interstellar police force, Interpol was then rejected again by the Empire and Federation who preferred to have their own police forces. Interpol was left to operate exclusively in the independent systems. The future of the GCTS looked uncertain.

GalCops other (non-police related) bodies, were either sold off to interstellar Corporations, or disbanded altogether. As the GCTS had an almost symbiotic relationship with ZITCO, they took responsibility for the continuation of the GCTS. A number of merchant traders raised objections about ZITCOs monopoly over the stockmarket, but quickly caved in to the behemoth that is ZITCO, not wishing to run the risk of being barred from trading at all stockmarkets. Life for a merchant who cannot access the stockmarket is a pretty short one, being limited to small settlements, and without all the benefits of a Starport. But most other manufacturing companies recognised the benefits of having a stable galactic wide trade system. It offered them a continually secure market to sell their goods, even when operating in anarchic or unstable systems. Without ZITCOs stockmarket, selling goods to these systems would be at best erratic.

The last century has seen little change to the GCTS other than the occasional categorising of new commodities and the odd price change. This stability has allowed manufacturers to increase productivity, freeing up colonists to venture out into unsettled systems. Expansion into new systems has continued at a steady rate of approximately one light year every decade since the time that man first colonised Tau Ceti, back in the 23rd century. One of the biggest facilitators of this continuous growth is the presence of the GCTS.

Key Aspects of the GCTS

Classification of Commodities

The goods listed on the ZITCO Stockmarket is really only a rough guide of what can be contained in a standard crate. The commodity 'category' (or 'class' for the sake of variety), e.g. Industrial Parts, is really a catch-all that could be any number of goods, e.g. a coil of bucky-tube cable or a household micro-fusion generator. The specific classification process is undertaken by a number of departments.

The Standard Trading Crate

Another important aspect of the treaty was to institutionalize a galactic standard of weights and measures to be used in the Stockmarket (much as Napoleon did in 19th Century Europe ). Prior to this, companies used a multitude of metrics (e.g. bushel, last, barrel) for measuring commodities. The most significant standard adopted was the new Standard Trade Crate (STC). Its external measurements were 1.71m x 1.71m x 1.71m (equivalent to 5 cubic metres [4]), with an internal capacity of 4.00 cubic metres. The crate was constructed using the latest shielding methods to protect it from UV radiation from the sun. This was to ensure that any crates lost in space could be recovered with their contents unaffected. Proposals were made to design a life sustaining crate for transporting live cargo (animals and slaves), but it worked out cheaper to use one Life Support System for a number of crates. The size limitation meant that many commodities (like a fully matured Verrix Beast) would not be listed on the ZITCO Stockmarket. These oversized goods would be traded directly between buyer and seller with no middleman. This change was met with mixed reception. Traders were displeased about some of the limitations placed on them, grumbling about reduced profit margins and the inability to trade certain goods due to the size restrictions; however most ship designers welcomed the move, as it meant that their merchant ships could be more efficiently designed to accommodate the STC.

The success of the 5 cubic metre STC was furthered by ship builders all over the galaxy, as they agreed that the intergalactic 'Shipping Tonne' (used to indicate the capacity of interstellar ships) should be based exclusively on the 5 cubic metre STC. So whenever you look at the capacity of a ship, given in tonnes, remember that each tonne is equivalent to 5 cubic metres of space.

To cope with the varying attributes of all the commodities, different types of crates are manufactured. For example, crates labelled Liquid Oxygen have a spheroidal canister inside which can hold high-pressure liquefied-gas. Among the numerous specialised crates are: Lead lined crates for radioactive substances, keg style crates for beers and lagers, refrigerated crates for dairy foodstuffs.

Legal Status of Commodities

The legality of all classes of goods is determined by the ruling government of the system the Stockmarket is located in. Quite often, a particular commodity is labelled as illegal, yet it is traded openly outside of the starports. This inconsistency could be for a number of reasons, from 'industrial protectionism' to safeguarding endangered animal species from poachers. Animal skins are a common example. In certain Federation systems (e.g. Arcturus) the authorities have declared any export trade illegal in order to preserve local species from being hunted to near extinction. This is despite the presence of large authorised (and licensed) farms where native beasts are raised in captivity for their pelts and meat. The skins from these farms are then given an official Federation trade chip indicating they can be traded legally within the system.

Import and Export Status of Commodities

Whether or not the commodity category is marked as a 'major import', 'minor import', 'major export' or 'minor export' is dependent on a highly complex formula, which is itself dependent on numerous data sources, including percentages, ratios, actual numbers on manufacturing, consumption, related to other products, as percent of total GDP etc. The math behind it puzzles even the most intellectual. Some complain that it harks back to the time of the 'derivatives' market of the 20th century in terms of complexity, though it has served the GCTS well for over 600, without any of the fallout of the derivatives market.

Commodity Price Regulation

When it comes to sorting goods into particular categories (e.g. Liquor) ready for the stockmarket, all goods from 'Anarchal Gin' to 'Wirromin Skate' are labelled and valued by the GCTS. This process ensures that all variations of a particular commodity-category meet the same price, even though the actual quantity of goods contained in the crates may vary. For example if you spend 380 Cr on 1 tonne of 'Liquor', it could really be 3800 litres of 'Captain Morgan' a low value rum, equivalent to 0.1 Cr per litre, or 1000 litres of 'Fujiyama Old Gold' a high value whisky (equivalent to 0.38 Cr per litre).

Mediating Inter-System Trade Contracts

ZITCO is a popular choice for mediating and arranging inter system trade contracts. These can be between governments, corporations, or other groups who wish to have a guaranteed supply of goods over a set period of time for a fixed price. The goods contracts are only for those that ZITCO sells on the regular Stockmarket.

Preferential Shipping

One of the basic tenets of free trade is the unrestricted movement of goods. This is essential to allow a product to travel the shortest possible distance in the fastest time, from when it is manufactured to when it is purchased. If a rapid movement of goods from producer to consumer is to occur, then the middlemen (merchant traders) need to have extensive information of both where a product is manufactured and where the demand for that product is. This way the merchant can facilitate a swift transition of product X from point A to point B. As the GCTS has such an extensive network of Stockmarkets, its knowledge of both supply and demand is vast. With this knowledge it allows a reasonably quick transit time for a product from when it is manufactured to when it is purchased. This is achieved by the 'Customer Requests' method that every Stockmarket has.

The 'Customer Requests' method works as follows: A customer places a request for a particular good at the local Stockmarket, e.g. John Doe from Biggs High, Barnards Star requests a crate of Southern Comfort. The request is then sent by courier to the nearest system that produces it, which is Sol. When the request is received, all the Stockmarkets in the system are notified. Any trader that purchases Liquor from the Stockmarket is then asked whether he intends to sell his goods in the relevant system (Barnards Star) if he answers yes, the requested goods are then loaded into his ship. When the trader arrives at the starport, the goods are unloaded, stored and the customer is notified of there arrival. After the customer as collected their request goods, any surplus crates are then sold on the open Stockmarket.

This method is limited by the distance that traders are willing to travel when buying and selling goods, usually up to 15 LY. Goods requested distances longer than 15 LY would have to pass through several systems on the way. Obviously this means that all the systems between the producer and consumer would have to be notified, to allow a fast transitional period. For this reason it would only function effectively with a communication network faster than is currently available, or a massive advance in Hyperdrive technology. The situation is analogous to communication in the 19th century before the telegram was invented, when mail took weeks to get from country to country.

Sovereign Status of Starports

Before GalCop was disbanded in the 32nd century, all of the starports used in solar systems throughout the galaxy were considered sovereign territory of GalCop. That meant that there was one set of laws that applied to all starports, regardless of the laws in which the starport was located. For instance, if a man was caught trading illegal narcotics (e.g. Crystal Meth) in Sutherland, Arcturus(-2,0), where Federation law applies, then he would face a prison sentence (up to five standard years). However if the person was caught trading illegal narcotics inside the confines of a starport, where GalCop law applies, then he would only be fined 500 Credits. This approach allowed all traders to be subject to the same law wherever they were in the galaxy.

Since the dissolution of GalCop, the peculiar sovereign status of these starports has remained. Consequently the law is still the same for all traders no matter what ZITCO starport they are docked at. So long as they stay within the confines of the starport territory. However, despite the fact that there are only one set of laws throughout that galaxy for these starports, the major political powers (Federation, Empire and Independent systems) have chosen to have their own police enforce the laws at these starports: The Federal Security Sevices, The Imperial Guard, and Interpol [3]. As these police authorities operate within their own jurisdictions, they don't have any rights in other starports. This means that if a trader were to break the law in a starport policed by the Federal Security Services, but flee from the system before paying the fine, then he would not be prosecuted in a starport policed by the Imperial Guard, or one policed by Interpol.

The 'Forbidden Zone' is a demilitarized area that surrounds each starport. It extends for 3km in all directions Firing any kind of weapon in this zone is strictly prohibited.

Criminal Offence	Fine
Failure to obey traffic control	n/a
Launching without clearance	500 Cr
Evading payment of fine	2,000 Cr
Unlawful discharge of weapom	600 Cr
Illegal mining	200 Cr
Trading in illegal goods	500 Cr
Attempted bribery	2,000 Cr
Smuggling illegal goods	2,500 Cr
Unlawful dumping	3,000 Cr
Permit violation	4,000 Cr
Piracy and murder	10,000 Cr

The Main Departments of the GCTS

There are currently twelve major departments that deal with the classification and price regulation of individual commodities. Each department may deal with potentially billions of different saleable goods, an usually has numerous offices to do so.

The two largest departments are: the Industrial Components and Products Section, which deals with goods for four major commodity classes; the Botanical Department, which effectively catalogues the entire contents of ecosystems. The Xenological Artefacts Studies Group is the smallest, and collaborates with numerous universities, museums and auction houses.

Anthropological and Zoological Board

Synopsis

The majority of the AZBs time is taken up by meeting with geneticist-merchants who try to bend the rules of what is counted as human. They create new varieties of hominid (or cross bred with non human bipeds) in the attempt to breed something that can be classed as a Live Animal but be useful enough to sell on after as a slave. The Empire finance, and encourage most of these failed ventures in order to benefit their own slave merchants, who cannot ply their trade in Federation or Alliance systems where slavery is illegal.

Commodities Dealt With

Live Animals, Slaves.

Arms, Armaments and Defence Systems Department

Synopsis

Despite the presence of numerous technicians and directors from the two major arms manufacturers Ingram, and Lance and Ferman, there has been almost no discernable corruption, or influence in the classification process. Even the Federation have praised the department for ensuring all Hand Weapons are only capable of incapacitating (at most) a handful of human targets.

The department regularly hold open days at their proving ground near Aberdeen in the Sol system, where weapons manufacturers can demonstrate their latest products, and potential customers can see what's on offer.

Commodities Dealt With

Battle Weapons, Chaff, Hand Weapons.

Agricultural and Botanical Department

Synopsis

The job of Agrobot (as they're affectionately known) is vast, almost too vast some would say. Cataloguing the plant life of entire ecosystems, and determining their economic value is an arduous and endless job. That workload is further increased by the various geneticists who create bespoke new life forms.

Originally, the AZB and Agrobot were one department based around ecology. But after a century, the workload became too much, and it was decided to split the department into two, covering flora and fauna separately. Since then, the flora department evolved into its present form, Agrobot, whose remit covers all forms of plant based agriculture, including Farm Machinery and Fertilizer.

Commodities Dealt With

Farm Machinery, Fertilizer, Fruit and Vegetables, Grain.

Consumer Goods Group

Synopsis

The home of the most sought after jobs in ZITCO, sampling luxurious goods from all over the galaxy. They are constantly trying to get the rights to classify (and hence sample) the Liquor, which would further add to their already desirable lifestyle.

The Animal Skins category is here as a result of inheritance. During the early years of the GCTS, most trade goods had to be extremely high value, in order to cover the high interstellar transport costs. Consequently only the best non-terran animal furs, leathers and other fabrics ever made it to the Stockmarket, which on the whole were considered as luxury goods in themselves.

Commodities Dealt With

Animal Skins, Consumer Goods.

Cybernetics Section

Synopsis

The CS works closely with the ICPS (see 3.6) in order that only 'thinking' robots are included, along with regular electronic and bio-electronic computers. CS has been targeted by the violent 'Free Android' group on several occasions over the years. The last incident in 3190, a localised flesh eating virus, killed over two hundred staff. The media got hold of the story and ran a lengthy campaign covering the entire 'free android' debate. As a result, the CS opened up an office to try to resolve the issue of whether human morals are applicable to 'thinking machines'. Since then it however, the effort to resolve the issue has stalled. The office originally dedicated to determining the ethical and moral questions associated with it has become a continual debating chamber, staffed by theologians, philosophers, bioethicists, neuroscientists, computer engineers and metaphysicians. It is needless to say that it's the only office of a commercial company that is staffed by such people.

Commodities Dealt With

Computers, Robots

Industrial Components and Products Section

Synopsis

The largest single department in terms of both staff and the number of goods it catalogues. Prior to the dissolution of GalCop it had an almost symbiotic relationship with the GalCop patent office, who provided them with information on the latest patents. This allowed manufacturers to determine whether it was economically viable go ahead and begin manufacturing their new product or not, by comparing it with other similar products and then finding out their profitability. Since GalCop was broken up, the Federation, Empire and Alliance each have their own arrangements regarding patents, which is a great loss to many small and medium enterprises who risk a lot when they launch a new product.

Commodities Dealt With

Air Processors, Heavy Plastics, Industrial Parts.

Interstellar Fuel Department

Synopsis

Fuel production throughout the galaxy is dominated by the Sirius Corporation, and their influence extends to this department. Numerous former CEOs, COOs, directors, and other high ranking staff from the Sirius Corp dominate the IFD, causing many to complain that it only furthers their monopoly of fuel production and development. The accusations are well founded, and have been covered by several journalists over the years. Alas the journalists never survive to see their stories published as they suffer fatal 'accidents' or mysteriously vanish.

Commodities Dealt With

Hydrogen Fuel, Military Fuel

Offices for Metallurgy and Mineralogy

Synopsis

There have been two great leaps forward in geology in the last five hundred years: Massive technological advances in interstellar-geological-probes allow geologists to more accurately predict what the mineral content of a particular planet will be; A greater understanding about how planets come into existence, and the processes that form them, which allows geologists to provide a rough estimate of the basic composition of a planet with only a cursory reading of a solar system.

With these methods, GalCop (when it existed) could inform mining corporations of the potential value in a given system. Since its dissolution, the OMM have continued that job, allowing mineral wealth to flow steadily throughout the galaxy.

Advances have also been made in relation to gem stones. Distinguishing between naturally occurring and lab-grown synthetic gems is possible thanks to Vladimir Abramovich, who made advances in electron microscopy and spectral analysis in the twenty second century. This restored value to naturally occurring gems, as customers could now be confident in the rarity of their stone. Synthetic gems have still retained their value in various industrial processes, and particularly in laser technology.

Commodities Dealt With

Gems Stones, Metal Alloys, Minerals, Precious Metals.

Pharmacological Committee

Synopsis

Pharmacom (as it's known) is the single most socially significant department in the GCTS. It decides what drugs, both old and new will be classified as either beneficial Medicines or malevolent Narcotics. The Narcotics and Drugs Advisory Board (NDAB) is always convening with the representatives of governments who wish to reclassify a particular drug from Narcotic to Medicine or vice-versa.

The social and economic stability of all systems is significantly influenced by the decisions made by Pharmacom. One such example is opium. Opiates such as opium and morphine are extremely useful to the medical profession in releiving chronic pain. However if the sale of opiates are unregulated, or over prescribed, then addiction may overcome the patient, who then resorts to crime in order to fund the habit. Historically opium was the cause of a major war in the nineteenth century between China and the British Empire, the latter wanted to pay for their imports of tea with chests full of opium. China suffered the consequences of importing the legal drug in massive quantities. Social decay, rising crime rate, drops in productivity all occurred around the opium dens that sprung up around the ports where it was imported. China went to war against the British, but suffered a humiliating defeat. The British continued to trade opium freely from Bengal, where it was grown (also legally), to a number of 'free trade ports' in China. Such an example is only one of many that emphasises the importance of classing a particular drug according to its benefits, drawbacks and potential hazards.

Liquor is also assessed by the Liquor Office of Pharmacom due to its intoxicating effects. If a bottle of liquor is particularly potent, it could possibly be assigned to the Narcotics category. In the past a number of alcoholic drinks have contained lyrae weed, marijuana or some other narcotic in the brew to add to the flavour.

Commodities Dealt With

Liquor, Medicines, Narcotics.

Waste Management

Synopsis

Despite not being the most prestigious of departments, Waste Management is often at the forefront of counter-smuggling operations with local police forces. The number of criminals who use a crate of Rubbish to stow illegal drugs or firearms in would surprise most traders, who think that the thousands of crates of Rubbish are simply just that. This is exactly why criminals, smugglers and other blackmarketeers use unsuspecting traders as middle-men to ferry goods from one system to another. Then if the crate of Rubbish gets searched, then the innocent trader will be arrested, and not the criminals who planted it there in the first place.

Commodities Dealt With

Radioactives, Rubbish.

Xenological Artefacts Studies Group

Synopsis

This department is (as the name says) a study group, made up of scientists from all over the galaxy, regardless of political allegiance, who meet regularly at symposiums to discuss the latest findings and theories on the civilizations of non human life forms. From this pool of thought, a rough guideline on pricing Alien Artefacts can be drawn up and posted to all ZITCO Stockmarkets throughout the galaxy.

Commodities Dealt With

Alien Artefacts.

Other Galactic Stockmarkets and Trading Systems

Present figures indicate there are over two thousand other stockmarket systems in the known galaxy. Most of these companies own and operate their own starports in addition to their stockmarket complexes, much like ZITCO do. However a significant number of these companies utilise the same starport complex, but run different trading warehouses from them. This particular approach is more commonly used on anarchic planets, and those with a small population where interstellar trade is limited. For example the planet De Gaul's Legacy in Olphiso(3,0) has no ZITCO starports, but has one starport complex run by 'D&B Ports' in the city of Tuareg. This one starport, with its six landing bays, is shared by three different trading companies: 'Bernard's Wholesalers', 'Stahlhof' and 'Ionian Stockmarkets'.

All stockmarket companies are tiny in comparison to ZITCO, both in terms of the profit they make, and their galactic coverage. To illustrate how small they really are, the turnover for all other known stockmarket companies amounts to less than forty percent of ZITCOs turnover. Most of them specialise in one particular commodity, or operate in just one system. If you wish to gain access to one of their starports, you will have to contact the relevant authority. That is the other major difference between ZITCO run stockmarkets, and other companies. Other stockmarkets require the trader to have some form of permission, be it a simple entry fee, a license, or to be part of the company itself, or something else. ZITCO is the only company that guarantees access to all traders at their stockmarkets. That is a result of its peculiar heritage as a former GalCop (supra government) entity.

The larger of this small cadre of companies are listed below.

Zanzibar Human Resources

An Imperial company owned by the Duval family that specialises in intra-Empire slave market business. They were founded right at the start of the Empire's existence as a means of control over the transportation and sale of slaves. The stockmarkets have a weekly routine, selling different types of slave on different days: Prostitutes, unskilled labourers, household servants, technicians, fighters and bodyguards, sacrificial offerings, and sundry slaves.

Caravela Containerers

Founded by Antonio Totti in 2742 as an independent stockmarket that specialised in the 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 metre container, that is now synonymous as the 'Grade 1 Miner's Shack'. He intended it to become a galactic standard, instead of the 1.71 x 1.71 x 1.71 metre cube used by GalCop. But a poor marketing campaign coupled with funding difficulties meant the STC stayed as the preferred container choice. Now Caravela operates in fourteen Federation and independent systems based around their headquarters at Arcturus. The oversized crate stockmarket sells a range of products including agricultural animals like the Verrix beast, hoverbikes and mining machinery.

New Rossyth Stockmarket

The Alliance's attempt to gain independence from ZITCO and expand their political influence into the economic realm. They envisage a duel system running alongside the ZITCO model which will provide additional funding for the Alliance authorities, and ensure that free trade within all Alliance systems can be guaranteed. Currently they operate at least one stockmarket in all AIS systems, and sell pretty much the same commodities as the ZITCO stockmarket, except Battle Weapons, Slaves and other illegal goods. If you wish to gain access to the market, you will need to put in a formal request to the AIS Trade Organisation. This is needed to ensure that all traders have total fidelity to the Alliance.

New Economic Block

In 2920 a group of merchants, financiers and bankers established an entirely new economic system based on the principles of an old Earth economist called Larouche. This new system would contain a new currency, banking sector, stockmarkets, financial regulation and so forth. The centre for this alternative plan was the distant system of Miandre(4,-14) over one hundred light years from Sol. Miandre quickly developed four major starports to enable rapid growth of the system. However the plans quickly broke down as one of the principal founders (Alex Webster) wasn't happy with his potential cut of the profits, and so placed his private army in the Miandre system as a means of 'leverage' to cut a better deal. The deal was never made, and Websters army has remained there ever since, discouraging colonists from moving to Miandre, which explains the exceptionally low population (around 4,700).

NEB are in talks with the dictator of the nearby Qubeqo system (4,-15) to gain exclusive trading rights, and develop a number of minor starports.

Commodities Information

This part of the guide is intended to provide the reader with a greater understanding of what goods are available to the prospective trader. The format is roughly the same for all classes of goods: A brief synopsis of what the contents of the crate may be, the standard ZITCO Stockmarket regulated prices, some of the goods or manufacturers you may encounter whilst trading in Indaol, whether it's imported into or exported out of Indaol.

Water

H2O is usually needed by small, industrial settlements and those with no natural water supply [3]. If the planet or moon is cold enough for water to freeze, then mines are often opened up to process water rich rocks, or simply defrost large chunks of ice. Of course this is addition to water recycling that occurs on all barren planets.

The majority of the crates contain pure H2O, free of salt or other mineral elements. There are a few mineral water bottling plants located in Alioth and Gateway, and their wares are exported around the AIS for moderately wealthy denizens to consume. One of the more popular varieties of mineral water is called 'Highland Springs' from Hope, Gateway. Only a few bottled litres of 'Highland Springs' are contained in a GSC (Galactic Standard Crate).

Typical galactic prices [5] Major import: 1.1 Cr

Minor import: 1.0 Cr

Default standard: 0.9 Cr

Minor export: 0.8 Cr

Major export: 0.7 Cr

Blackmarket estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A minor import into Indoal.

Cullodonian Glacier Water is something that the local water merchants have made a tidy profit out of. Bottled water is consumed by the moderately affluent whenever possible, and consequently their is always a shortage of this commodity. Although the actual quantities consumed are small, which is why the ‘Water’ class is still only a minor import into Indaol.

Liquid Oxygen

LOX is needed mainly by settlements on airless worlds for life support systems. [3]

This category is also comprised of a number of other cheap, commonly used compressed or liquefied gases, such as Helium, Neon, Ozone (used in medical treatment, terraforming and atmospheric maintenance).

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major import: 13.2 Cr

Minor import: 10.9 Cr

Default standard: 9.7 Cr

Minor export: 8.7 Cr

Major export: 8.1 Cr

Blackmarket estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A minor import into Indaol.

Grain

One of the only foodstuffs that is both traditionally grown and not too expensive. [3]

Grasses that are of economic importance may be classified in six main groups: Pasture and fodder grasses; turf grasses such as though commonly seen lining the inside of habitation domes on airless worlds; ornamental grasses for public and private gardens, zoos, arboretums etc; cereals, of which around 80% are Old Earth native species (barley, maize, oats, rice, rye, wheat and varieties of these species); sugar cane; and woody grasses like bamboo. Some grasses are important both as pasture and fodder grasses, and as turf grasses. [2]

Over the past few decades big important brewing companies have petitioned ZITCO to include beers in this category. The basic argument behind it is twofold: One is that beers are grain derived products so have some tentative claim to be included; Two, that the Liquor category is priced for wines, spirits and other high value alcohols, whereas beer is a considerably cheaper alcohol. So far this petition to include beer has been rejected, but the ZITCO management say that it will definitely allow beer on the stockmarket within the next fifty years.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 46.7 Cr

Minor Import 42.8 Cr

Standard Rate 38.9 Cr

Minor Export 35.0 Cr

Major Export 31.1 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A minor import into Indaol.

Red-Finned Wampa Grass is just one of the many popular agricultural goods from both Olgrea and Gateway. The 'fins' are really just red leaves that cover the seads until they are ripe. Like many grains, it is used as a bulk foods like porridge, breads, cakes and pastas.

Bidi Rice is grown in large paddy fields in the Olgrea system. Has a slightly nutty flavour and is rich in vitamins A, C, and B12. Aswell as being exported for consumption as a basic food, Bidi Rice is also fermented into the notorious wine Mosh-Mosh.

Fruit and Vegetables

This can seem like a loose term looking at some of the produce that comes under this classification. One could be forgiven for taking up a shovel and disinfectant when faced for the first time with the Oosli from the Fomalhaut system. [3]

To prevent confusion, horticultural scientists define a fruit as an edible seed-bearing structure that (1) consists of fleshy tissue and (2) is produced by a perennial. A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years without being replanted. The horticultural definition of a fruit excludes nuts and vegetables. Nuts are firm rather than fleshy. Most vegetables are annuals, that is, the plants live for only one season. [2]

In some cases, the horticultural definition of a fruit conflicts with the definition used by botanists and with common usage. For example, watermelons and muskmelons are fruits, and most people regard them as such. But they grow on vines that must be replanted annually, and so horticulturists regard melons as vegetables.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 127.0 Cr

Minor Import: 118.0 Cr

Standard Rate: 99.2 Cr

Minor Export: 92.8 Cr

Major Export: 77.6 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol A major import into Indaol.

Sunfruit is a common and popular fruit throughout the galaxy, the Alliance systems depend on the orchards of Alioth to supply most of their sunfruit needs. As the name suggests, the fruit resembles a red dwarf star, though it was originally named due to its intense (almost explosive) flavour in comparison to the similar Earth native orange.

For a fruit it keeps surprisingly well, staying fresh in damp, warm conditions for months on end. This is one of the reasons it is so common throughout the galaxy. The ability to stay fresh over long interstellar journeys without the need for special storage made it popular with traders. Even though advanced food preservation technologies have been available for nearly a millennium, critics would complain that preserved fruits and vegetables didn't taste quite the same as fresh ones. Hence the sunfruit with its suitability for long journeys was well suited for interstellar trade.

Animal Meat

Real meat from an animal. A delicacy, but the market for this is growing as a revolt against synthetic meat. People have become unsettled by the thought of their food growing in vats of seething, viscous fluid, the stench of which is indescribable. The idea that real animal meat once felt the sun on its back and frolicked in a meadow feels more wholesome and natural and such meat is claimed by many to taste better. Given that the amount of meadow available is far exceeded by the hooves to roam it and that factory farming is unfashionable, the meat is rare and widely sought after. Trading in animal meat is illegal in some places. [3]

For the less well off there is always freeze-dried meat granules. These can be rehydrated and added to stews, curries and the like. The idea came about as butchers and fishermen tried to eliminate any waste meat after the choice cuts had been made; much in the same way (historically speaking) as sausages and black pudding were made to cut back on waste. They were also considered as substandard meat in comparison to steaks and fillets.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 166 Cr

Minor Import 156 Cr

Standard Rate 152 Cr

Minor Export 131 Cr

Major Export 95.2 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate 283 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol A major import into Indaol.

Verrix Brains from the Verrix beast, as used throughout the galaxy on most agricultural worlds, is a popular meat. Whilst the choice cuts are sold to the wealthy, the off-cuts are oddly enough a favourite in the Indaol system. Verrix brains served with Osaka radishes, Grava roots, Lentils and a Pashtun fruit sauce is a culinary favourite.

Synthetic Meat

This is the most common form of protein to be found, so it is relatively cheap. Grown in vats, this meat is in no way derived from animals, though most would agree that it tastes exactly the same as real meat. It is sold in one flavour, called Original, which is fairly bland and unexciting. Individual flavours are added by the user, for example Earth beef, Lava hog from Biggs Colony or Brog buck from Homeland around Beta Hydri (for those who like their meat to bite back). [3]

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 23.6 Cr

Minor Import: 20.3 Cr

Standard Rate: 19.7 Cr

Minor Export: 18.1 Cr

Major Export: 16.7 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol A major export from Indaol.

Hereford Type 47, as the name implies, indicates that there are at least 46 other varieties of Hereford synthetic meat available. Each variety has a slightly different proportions and types of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and water.

Liquor

Covers all intoxicating drinks from interesting local hooches such as the Bourbon from the system of Epsilon Indi to unexciting brews made by large industrial companies. An example is Splag, which is akin to watery Old Nova, but some have been less generous in their appraisal. [3]

Despite efforts to create palatable synthetic alcohols from ethanol and other chemicals, nothing has come close in flavour to traditionally fermented alcohols.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 456 Cr

Minor Import 424 Cr

Standard Rate 409 Cr

Minor Export 382 Cr

Major Export 343 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate 580 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol A minor import into Indaol.

Cullodonian Whisky is a triple distilled from the Frigium Aqua Habitium (cold water dwelling) shrub of Alioth. The 20 year old, oak aged is popular all over Alioth where it has been drunk since the early days of Alioths existence. It uses a special blend of local granite filtered water, and glacial water that ensures its unique flavour.

A 5 year old version is becoming popular in various Alliance systems thanks to the efforts of advertising guru Max Sharpe, whose media campaign has led to a 600% increase in demand over the past 2 years.

Mosh-Mosh is fermented Bidi Rice. Agricultural workers from the Olgrea system like nothing better after a hard days work than to go down the local pub and get drunk on a bottle of Mosh Mosh. Drinking parties are notorious, and often go on for days at a time, moving from pub to pub and village to village.

Coppers Courage: Despite its small population and anarchic status, Phekda produces some of the finest quality whisky throughout the galaxy. One of these is Coppers Courage, named as a sleight against a local Phekdan police force. Drinkers out on the town still delight in offering a constable on patrol a bottle of Coppers Courage. Sometimes the joke has gone badly wrong, with a short tempered officer taking offence at the jibe, then beating the the joker to a bloody pulp.

Narcotics

The most common is Lyrae weed. Narcotics are readily available on some large corporate manufacturing complexes to induce a sense of well-being in such appalling conditions. Occasionally a few workers are killed due to insensibility or hallucinations, but it is considered that they are better off that way and there are plenty more where they came from. Illegal in many places. [3]

Due to the low ratio of habitable to inhabitable planets in the galaxy, most narcotics are produced in laboratories derived from chemicals. Plant and animal derived narcotics are less common. The only exception to this is the Lyrae weed, which due to its high demand, is illegally grown in many underground climate controlled greenhouses.

Illegal throughout the Alliance.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 774 Cr

Minor Import 715 Cr

Standard Rate 645 Cr

Minor Export 575 Cr

Major Export 452 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate 1,265 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol Illegal in Indaol.

Tobacco is a commodity that the Alliance authorities don't consider to be particularly harmful, so they often tolerate people using and carrying small quantities, less than 100 grams. Anything over this limit will not be tolerated. So expect to be punished if you try to trade this on the blackmarket.

Dionyses Joy is a psychedelic drug that causes the user to enter an hedonistic frenzied state, losing all sense of morality. The drug was initially used at raves and dances to enhance the partying experience, but was soon hijacked by those with more sinister motives.

An occult sect associated with the notorious mafia group 'The Organisation' decided to use the drug as part of a blood curdling initiation rite. The initiation process was designed to break down the humans inhibitions and sense of morality in order to 'free' them to pursue their own desire. Of course this led the initiate to completely reject the natural rights of any human other than themselves. Once the initiate was free to follow their own desires without any sense of doing wrong, he would inevitably contribute towards a wholesale decline in the morals of his community.

The initiation rite has been adopted by several different political, occultic and religious groups and adapted to suit their own ends. These groups vary considerably from run of the mill anarchists, to dualistic Gnostics, to 'Nietzschean Revisionists'. Even covert agents of the Empire has been caught using DJ. Albeit they were using it as a means to destabilize a system so that it could be taken over without any organised opposition (aka 'divide and conquer').

The Revised Catholic mission in Indaol runs a rehabilitation centre for recovering drug addicts. There is a special ward for those who have taken DJ as they are especially hard to rehabilitate. The rehabilitation process includes extensive philosophical teaching in addition to the usual physical and psychological treatment. The philosophical teachings are designed to re-familiarize the addict with the three basic laws which govern mankind in the cosmos: natural law (e.g. physics, biology), civil law (e.g. property rights) and Gods law (e.g. abiding by the truth). Without any personal knowledge of these laws, the addict is likely to remain a hardline anarchist for the rest of their lives.

Medicines

Drugs are, as always, big business as people would rather be reassured by a drop of something that tastes foul, rather than examine their way of life that more often than not causes the ill health. [3]

Medicines range from traditional herbal remedies to the latest neurochemical modifiers. 'Medicine' crates also contain other medical goods for diagnosis and treatment.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 603 Cr

Minor Import 581 Cr

Standard Rate 572 Cr

Minor Export 537 Cr

Major Export 501 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate n/a

Trade Status in Indaol A minor export from Indaol.

Quitolline is the ever popular space travel sickness drug. [3]

Fishers Anti-Fungal Spray is used to combat 'Miners Rot': a fungus that is common throughout all subterranean iron mines. The fungus thrives in iron rich, warm, damp environments which makes it well suited to the sweaty miners of iron ore mines. The fungus was first identified in 2741, and surprisingly a means of drug based prevention is still unavailable. Even the treatments are only moderately effective. Most of the treatments simply inhibit the growth of the fungus. The only really successful way of stopping the fungus from spreading from place to place is it to ensure that all miners practice good hygiene. Biological air filters, used to prevent other fungal spores from spreading through an underground colony, are useless against Miners Rot. Despite massive advances in medical technology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment, many diseases remain defiant.

Fertilizer

Fertilizers are usually manufactured in vast chemical plants, but organic waste is often used to supplement this [3].

This commodity category includes a variety of low-cost consumable goods that are designed to increase the yield of agricultural goods, whether they are grown in the traditional manner, i.e. greenhouses, arable, pastoral farms etc, or in 'food factories' i.e. synthetic meats vats, or high yield protozoa PBRs (photo bioreactors).

There are two methods of increasing crop yields using consumable goods, either directly or indirectly. The direct method includes all chemicals that have a direct relationship with the crop by either providing it with all the nutrients it requires to reach it's maximum potential growth (e.g. a bespoke fertilizer), by stimulating growth that would not naturally occur (e.g. by growth hormones), or some other means.

The indirect method simply provides the most suitable environment for the crop to grow in by removing all external factors that would otherwise prevent the crop from growing to its fullest potential. The factors could range from pests (which feed on the crop thus depriving it of nutrients), to weeds (which compete against the crop for nutrients and space), or diseases (which may reduce the yield of the plant or kill it altogether). Ergo the indirect method uses pesticides, herbicides and fungicides to counter these.

There are a few other low-cost agricultural-based consumable goods in this category.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 16.9 Cr

Minor Import 16.0 Cr

Standard Rate 15.2 Cr

Minor Export 14.4 Cr

Major Export 11.8 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate n/a

Trade Status in Indao A major export from Indaol.

Rio Apatite is a company that produces a range of fertilizers for hydroponics, aeroponics and traditional arable farms. Their nitrogen-rich fertilizers are becoming increasingly well known in the Gateway system.

Animal Skins

This covers the skins of all sorts of animals and parts of them. It seems that the more that go into a garment, the more prized it is. A ridiculous extreme is a coat woven from eyelashes of the Sweetums Scroblet, an ugly animal with a bad temperament and no endearing qualities other than colourful, luminescent eyelashes. [3]

This category has included a range of plant and animal based fibres for several hundred years, including: unprocessed fibres, reels of thread, sheets of compressed fibres, sheets of woven fabric, semi-processed skins. Some crates may contain fully manufactured fabric goods eg clothes, carpets, furniture covers. Though due to variations in fashions throughout the galaxy, most clothes are manufactured in the same system that they are sold in.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 948 Cr

Minor Import 869 Cr

Standard Rate 790 Cr

Minor Export 684 Cr

Major Export 608 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate 1,545 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Cotton-Backed Greater Tree Grub is a highly valued source of natural fibres. The fibres from this metre long beast are highly comparable to terran silk worms. The grub hails from the Alioth system, where it lives on the cold planet of Argent's Claim feasting on shrubs and hardy grasses for a few months of the year. Then it goes into hibernation for the Winter, relying on its thick cotton like coat to give it protection from the extreme cold. When the temperature rises the following summer, the grub will seek a mate, reproduce, and begin the whole process over again. Factory farmed grubs don't live that long though, as around 90% are killed in their first year. Once the grub has grown a long enough fleece, it is thrown into a vat of acid, where the grub is dissolved and the fibres can be recovered for processing and export.

Live Animals

Used for meat, exhibition or recreation or just companionship. Your hold must have a life support facility to carry them. [3]

The majority of animals are sedated or in some kind of deep sleep. This is for both the mental health of the animal being transported and to reduce the constant need for care from the trader transporting them. The newer crate models (T-A47291) also have intravenous nutrient bags to further reduce the burden on the tradesman. Despite this and their advances, there is still a need for a life support system in the cargo hold. Air and water purifiers are bulky items which take up a good deal of space.

You may also encounter other forms of life in the crates such as hatcheries, incubators, artificial wombs etc. These simply allow immature animals to be transported where otherwise it would be impossible. For example a fully mature Verrix beast cannot fit in one crate, but an artificial womb with a Verrix foetus in it can.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 1,160 Cr

Minor Import: 1,060 Cr

Standard Rate: 968 Cr

Minor Export: 871 Cr

Major Export: 774 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 1,860 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol Illegal in Indaol.

Felis Domesticus is loved by some, hated by others, cats are popular as pets throughout the galaxy.

Slaves

Consider carefully where you are going to trade because slave trading is illegal in many systems, where it is seen as unacceptable. Life support needed. [3]

Immoral, illegal and despised throughout the AIS, slave traders will not be tolerated.

The conditions inside a slave crate are comparable to those of 'live animal' crates. Most have nutrient bags, and the slaves are either sedated or in deep sleep. Most slaves are fully matured adults (which saves on the cost of rearing them) from Empire or anarchic systems. On average there are 8 slaves per crate, though some traders may try to cram 10, 12 or even more.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 1,200 Cr

Minor Import: 1,120 Cr

Standard Rate: 1,040 Cr

Minor Export: 919 Cr

Major Export: 708 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 2,010 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol Illegal in Indaol.

Luxury Goods

Many items are classed as luxury goods, for example perfumes, jewellery, artefacts and fabrics. The most treasured are generally produced on esteemed worlds like Earth. [3]

Luxury goods are the only commodity traded on the ZITCO Stockmarket that don't depreciate in value as they get older. For this reason, they can be sold and resold and resold again, sometimes declining in value, other times increasing. From auction houses to jumble sales, luxury goods can be found anywhere. In fact a surprising number of small time interstellar traders have started off as antiques dealers.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 1,600 Cr

Minor Import 1,530 Cr

Standard Rate 1,450 Cr

Minor Export 1,320 Cr

Major Export 1,220 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate 2,840 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol

A minor import into Indaol.

Arkwright & Sons are manufacturers of the famous resonance trees of Hope, Gateway. The trees grow around the hot, humid equator and give off an ultra low frequency (ULF) resonance in order to attract insects to it flowers. The insects are drawn to the tree by the resonance, which causes a mild sense of euphoria to all insects that can receive the ULF. Once the insect has landed on the tree's flower and is covered in pollen, the tree stop resonating for half an hour. The insect is then drawn towards another tree that is resonating, and so fertilizers the flowers.

This mild euphoria inducing ULF, has been harnessed by Arkwright & Sons furniture maker who produce a range of beds, chairs, tables and footstools. The furniture can be made to resonate for short periods of time with the use of a very low electric current to stimulate the furniture into generating the ULF, which has a similar effect on humans. Needless to say that the range of furniture is very popular. So popular in fact that the rainforests where the trees grow have become protected by government decree, and special plantations have been established to ensure a continuous supply of the unique tree.

Heavy Plastics

Have a variety of uses especially in high temperature environments, like rocket engines. Manufactured in large industrial complexes. [3]

Both Thermosetting (the plastic hardens after being heated) and Thermoplastic (the plastic becomes malleable after being heated) types are available. [2]

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import 39.6 Cr

Minor Import 37 Cr

Standard Rate 34.7 Cr

Minor Export 31.5 Cr

Major Export 29.4 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate n/a

Trade Status in Indaol A major export from Indaol.

Urea Formaldehyde is produced from methanol, and used for many consumer goods including tableware.

Metal Alloys

They have hundreds of uses, one example is the production of foam metal, valued for its lightness and use as electromagnetic shielding. [3]

The size of smelting plants still astounds many. The Parker Brothers plant that processes and manufactures tin based alloys on the far side of Morgan's Hole covers 24 square kilometres, which is considered small by Alliance standards. The plant itself performs the whole gamut of operations from refining and smelting the ore, right through to producing ingots, billets, wires along with rudimentary finished goods e.g. welding rods.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 30.4 Cr

Minor Import: 27.8 Cr

Standard Rate: 25.3 Cr

Minor Export: 22.8 Cr

Major Export: 20.2 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol A major export from Indaol.

Duralium Used for space craft construction.

Precious Metals

Mainly used for adornment and trying to maintain stability in unstable financial systems. Generally cheaper in the outer systems, where precious metals have not yet been mined out. [3]

The quantity of metal in each crate may vary greatly depending on the value of the metal, for example only a few kilograms of Silver, or a several hundred kilograms of Nickel.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 1,782 Cr

Minor Import: 1,767 Cr

Standard Rate: 1,677 Cr

Minor Export: 1,627 Cr

Major Export: 1,451 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Gem Stones

They come in all colours and different levels of sparkle. [3]

Gem stones are used for industrial purposes and personal adornment. The industrial gems are grown in laboratories for particular tasks, drill bits, laser components etc.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 3,110 Cr

Minor Import: 3,060 Cr

Standard Rate: 3,000 Cr

Minor Export: 2,910 Cr

Major Export: 2,840 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 5,700 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Zublic is the current gem to be seen wearing. It is a colourless stone that is totally reflective. It is very easily mimicked but only the real stone is non-irritant to body, so those who are status conscious have them sewn into their skin. [3]

Tanakas Firestones is a glowing red gem that reacts badly with human skin. If a piece of jewellery containing a firestone rests against the wearers skin for more than a minute, the wearer is likely to suffer a mild acid burn. Jewellers, mineralogists and dermatologists have worked together to find a way of stopping the burning, but all efforts result in the gem from losing its lustre. So as long as people continue to wear the fashionable gem, they will run the risk of suffering an acid burn.

Minerals

There is little to say about minerals. Mined on rocky planets by machinery. [3]

The entire mineral industry is a highly mechanised affair. From the initial surveying and test pits, setting up of the mine, extracting the ore, and finally some rudimentary processing. Throughout the AIS, fewer than 1 in 1,000 workers are employed in the mining sector. This is largely thanks to the advances in computer technology, which allows most mining facilities to function with only a small number of human supervisors.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 7.6 Cr

Minor Import: 7.1 Cr

Standard Rate: 6.9 Cr

Minor Export: 6.7 Cr

Major Export: 6.2 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol A major import into Indaol.

Basilite is one of the most common minerals used in the construction industry. New houses contain on average 14% of basilite. The basilite is used as part of a conglomerate in much the same way as limestone was a part of cement in old Earth times.

Chronochite has few uses other than as a means of finding out the age of a planet, the mineral is rarely used. The discovery of chronochite has greatly helped geologists and astronomers alike in understanding the growth and evolution of solar systems and the planets in particular. This is because of the unique ability of chronochite to collect radiation in the same way as carbon accumulates radiation (thus allowing for carbon dating ).

Hydrogen Fuel

The normal four star fuel for spacecraft. All the waste products are used as reaction mass in the thrusters. It can also be obtained by scooping it from stars and gas giants. [3]

As hydrogen can be easily and (relatively) cheaply sourced, nearly all systems are supplied with Hydrogen from small businesses which operate just one or two spacecraft equipped with fuel scoops.

Typical galactic prices[5]

Major Import: 11.4 Cr

Minor Import: 10.5 Cr

Standard Rate: 9.5 Cr

Minor Export: 8.6 Cr

Major Export: 7.6 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Standard Oil: The Rockefeller family tried to get a monopoly in the hydrogen fuel business way back in the 21st century, and did for a 100 years maintain a near monopoly. They are now only a small company in the fuel industry as the development of fuel scoops and advances in atmospheric shielding allowed even the smallest of businesses to purchase a ship to scoop and sell fuel with. The rise of the Sirius Corporation, who profited immensely during the first Federation-Empire war in the 24th century, further contributed to the demise of Standard Oil. The Standard Oil company has since diversified, involving itself in the financial sector. J. D. Rockefeller the 47th presides over the business from the headquarters on Mars, Sol.

Sirius Corporation branched out into hydrogen fuel after making vast profits in the military fuel business over 500 years ago. The guaranteed quality of Sirius fuels is why they are so highly rated universally amongst space pilots. Other, less conscientious companies may pack their fuel crates with some other cheaper gas in order to make larger profits. Such action can have disastrous consequences for space pilots, particularly interstellar travellers, who may suffer a dreaded misjump, and have to spend years lost in deep space. It's unknown how many are permanently adrift out in deep space, between the stars, but conservative estimates are around 100,000 - 500,000.

Military Fuel

Very high energy per unit weight. It is manufactured and consists of an engineered molecule with anti-matter atoms suspended in it. It is not always available and is expensive. You need to weigh up the advantages of greater range and speed with the fact that it is converted to radioactives when consumed. [3]

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 60.2 Cr

Minor Import: 52.1 Cr

Standard Rate: 50.2 Cr

Minor Export: 48.8 Cr

Major Export: 40.0 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Sirius Corporation makes standard grade military fuel, exactly the same as is supplied to the Federation and Empire naval forces.

Hand Weapons

Firearms. Many cultures regard them as a necessary accessory and feel 'naked' without one. Illegal in many systems. [3]

Also includes a number of home defence systems, personal armour, close quarter weapons (that don't fire any projectiles), ammunition, recharge packs etc. All Indaolians are encouraged to purchase at least one handgun to protect themselves and their homes with.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 566 Cr

Minor Import: 526 Cr

Standard Rate: 506 Cr

Minor Export: 478 Cr

Major Export: 412 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 996 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol

A minor export from Indaol.

Lance and Ferman: A number of small arms manufacturers produce Lance and Ferman handguns under license in Indaol. These include the Sporting Gauss Rifle Series, Personal Protection Batons, and Milanese body armour range. The Gauss rifles are one of the few solid projectile weapons still around, and are a regular sight at shooting clubs. The Batons come in all shapes and sizes. The name Baton is really a misnomer, as it could be a small device no larger than a tea cup. Body armour is recommend for all interstellar travellers who wish to venture outside the safe confines of the Alliance. The Milanese body armour range offers protection against most handheld electric based weapons.

Battle Weapons

These are the heavy weapons used on the battlefield and are usually illegal. [3]

Though the classification process is complex, involving consultation from all the major powers and arms manufacturers, the general rule of thumb is that any weapon capable of destroying a vehicle or small building in one shot is classed as a Battle Weapon. Psychotronic weapons are also available here.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 789 Cr

Minor Import: 708 Cr

Standard Rate: 575 Cr

Minor Export: 561 Cr

Major Export: 544 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 1,190 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol

Illegal in Indaol.

Ingram MR-72C SAM, a Surface-to-Air Missile, is a kept by several of the Alliance planet militias as a primary air defence weapon whenever aircraft or spacecraft are unavailable. The 'C' type comes with sophisticated EMP shielding.

Nerve Gas

Expect the police in most places to take up a chase if you trade in this. [3]

Nerve gas was declared illegal throughout the AIS after the Human Right Treaty was signed in 3233. Under Indaolian law, anyone caught transporting nerve gas outside the confines of the starport complex will be swiftly arrested (as starport laws are different to planetside laws). The minimum prison sentence is 8 years.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 931 Cr

Minor Import: 854 Cr

Standard Rate: 776 Cr

Minor Export: 698 Cr

Major Export: 621 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 1,640 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol

Illegal in Indaol.

Pax Mentus: The Pax Mentus company was founded with good intentions: to reduce fatalities associated with civil riots by replacing lethal weapons with non lethal weapons. Unfortunately, as with many good intentions, the ideal became perverted. By introducing the notion of pacifying crowds by any means available, nerve gases were developed that could cause temporary paralysis, impaired vision and hearing, temporary loss of muscle control, and so on. After many years the scientists in the company began to see humans as 'targets' that needed to be dealt with, regardless of the effects.

This loss of morality led to the development of many new nerve gases that could cause extremely unpleasant effects. Neurotoxins could induce fear to such a degree that test subjects went insane, others began to rip out their own eyes. Paranoia, hatred, fear, apathy, and many other emotions could be induced by means of a neurotoxin present in a can of Nerve Gas. These feelings are considered by some to be more insidious than other nerve gases (say ricin) that attack the physical body, as it attacks the very essence of a man, his psyche (or soul).

Industrial Parts

Everything from fusion motors to nuts and bolts. [3]

There are more registered goods in the Industrial Parts category than there are stars in the galaxy. If you are seeking a particular product (say a Forsyth 6 pack of micro fusion batteries) then you should fill in a request form and hand it to the local Stockmarket administrator, who will then put out a request to stockmarkets in neighbouring systems.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 141 Cr

Minor Import: 136 Cr

Standard Rate: 124 Cr

Minor Export: 116 Cr

Major Export: 109 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A major export from Indaol.

The Flemish Glass Company manufactures a number of finished glass products, and semi products. They are currently developing a super thin glass sheet that would allow domes (near spaceports) to be constructed with 7% less glass. Which would itself mean that the frame could be thinner as it would have to support less weight.

Computers

Mostly used for administration and as components for automated machines like space craft, though some advanced cultures use them a great deal for interactive entertainment systems. [3]

Software and hardware are included here.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 507 Cr

Minor Import: 490 Cr

Standard Rate: 445 Cr

Minor Export: 401 Cr

Major Export: 366 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A major export from Indaol.

Darko Holographic Games produce a number of holographic games, particularly old terran games suitable as travelling games for interstellar travellers.

Air Processors

Devices used in life support systems to remove unwanted gasses from the air. These are vital to many mining establishments, keeping the air in the huge underground complexes breathable. [3]

The crate may contain a number of other similar goods: Climate control units. These generate and maintain artificial climates (e.g. tropical, or arctic) as used in underground gardens, zoos etc; Water purifiers remove salts, impurities, organic waste etc.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 238 Cr

Minor Import: 217 Cr

Standard Rate: 198 Cr

Minor Export: 178 Cr

Major Export: 158 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A major export from Indaol.

Hadley Mediterranean Climate Generators are made under license by Peruzzi Inc. As the name says they generate an artificial Earth-Mediterranean climate. The latest fashion in climate control is heading away from a temperate, cool, damp climate to one of more sunshine and drier air. The generators work in purpose built atmosdomes which are fitted with pipes, cloud seeders, UV lamps etc to provide a near authentic Mediterranean feel. The climate generators themselves perform two functions. One is to regulate the entire process, ensuring that the right amount of cloud cover is delivered, the UV lamps illuminate to the right degree. Two is to control the humidity of the atmosdome. This is the only operation that the Climate Generator directly performs.

Farm Machinery

All agricultural equipment from gardening hand tools to the latest aeroponics growth tanks. [3]

Technically speaking, Farm Machinery is not an accurate term, as the category includes anything that produces organic merchandise, whether it is grown traditionally in open fields, in greenhouses, hydroponics labs, aeroponics tanks, synthetic meat vats, or protozoa vats. The latter two are used predominantly on lifeless worlds and orbital space stations where it would be too expensive to create underground plantations.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 88.0 Cr

Minor Import: 83.6 Cr

Standard Rate: 76 Cr

Minor Export: 69.9 Cr

Major Export: 57.4 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol

A major export from Indaol.

Hydroponics: Indaol has a long history of growing tomatoes via hydroponics. A few denizens from neighbouring systems even travel to Indaol to sample the latest tomato based cuisine. The love for growing high quality tomatoes has led to Indaol becoming a centre of excellence for tomato-specific hydroponics equipment. They now manufacture and export bespoke hydroponics equipment to other systems where the love of tomatoes is also present.

Robots

This covers a whole range of automata. Generally they are intricate machines used to do everything from serving canapes to use as assault troops . They are illegal in a few cultures, mainly because of the violation of their work ethic, but also the extreme techno-fear some people experience. [3]

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: 915 Cr

Minor Import: 885 Cr

Standard Rate: 847 Cr

Minor Export: 712 Cr

Major Export: 490 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: 1,580 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol: A major export from Indaol.

Farming Androids: A range of generic farming androids, including some former Monsanto Corporation designs. The old D333 series (nicknamed 'Dwarfies' because of their stature) are on the whole reliable, but you should always check the quality assurance stamp just to be sure. There have been recent reports of some D333s engaging in bizarre behaviour. One of these malfunctioning units was disassembled, and their master control chip was from an old Barry Manilow android.

Radioactives

Radioactive materials for example Plutonium and Tritium. Note that this item has a negative trade value, in other words, you have to pay for someone to take it off your hands. Some make a living out of being paid to take this waste away and deliver it to reprocessing plants (i.e. anywhere that has Radioactives as a major import). More unscrupulous and irresponsible characters will prefer to jettison it instead, risking prosecution. This is a highly illegal practice and locals are usually vehemently opposed to this act. Police often don't bother with questions but deal with you there and then, as this not only saves on police time but court fees as well. [3]

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: -3.4 Cr

Minor Import: -3.9 Cr

Standard Rate: -4.3 Cr

Minor Export: -4.7 Cr

Major Export: -5.2 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: -8.3 Cr

Trade Status in Indaol: Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Sirius Corporation: Around 10% of all radioactive waste reprocessing plants in the galaxy are owned by the Sirius Corporation. The Indaolian government is currently speaking with representatives of the Sirius Corporation to get them to build a reprocessing plant on Morgan's Hole.

Rubbish

Again, this has a negative price, so you must pay to dispose of it. Some cargo items when decompressed (by being jettisoned) will turn into rubbish. [3]

Though nearly all traders ignore trading in rubbish, there is a seedy underside to the rubbish trade. Drug lords and weapons smugglers use the crates to transport their illicit wares in. They have found that most police and customs officials pay scant regard to the contents of the crates, focussing their attention on the contents of the ship for smuggled goods. Such negligence has led to a rise in the illegal narcotics trade in many AIS systems. As crates are usually tagged with information of their origins, destination, owners etc drug and weapons dealers can use the tags as a secret code to allow dealers in other systems to pick up crates with illegal goods in.

As for the rubbish itself, due to economics, it is just as cheap to dump it in landfill as it is to recycle it. If recycling does occur, it is often subsidised by the government as a means of cutting down on fly tipping, or other unhygienic waste practices. On Imperial worlds, the very poor are known to scavenge amongst mountains of rubbish trying to find a few shards of duralium to sell off to a scrap metal dealer. Their lives are pitiable. Life expectancy is less than thirty five years. Enslavement is a constant threat, along with the notorious 'garbage wars' that occur between rival clans who fight to the death over territorial rights on the rubbish tips.

Typical galactic prices [5]

Major Import: -0.6 Cr

Minor Import: -0.6 Cr

Standard Rate: -0.7 Cr

Minor Export: -0.8 Cr

Major Export: -0.8 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol: Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

Chaff

Chaff is available in nearly all systems as it's so easy to mass produce, and is commonly used by many pilots as an alternative (or even as an compliment to) EMP devices. There are a multitude of chaffs available from complex electronic devices, to simple metal foil shards.

Typical galactic prices

Major Import: 142.6 Cr

Minor Import: 130.7 Cr

Standard Rate: 118.8 Cr

Minor Export: 106.9 Cr

Major Export: 95.0 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol: Major export from Indaol.

Lance and Ferman MEC T132: The Micro Emitting Chaff Types have been around as long as the company has existed. The T132 is the latest model in the series, and a great improvement over the T131 which had an unfortunate propensity to fail in hot weather environments. Though that is not a problem for most spacefaring pilots, it can be for those who are attacked planetside.

Alien Artefacts

There is little that can be said, yet so much to say about Alien Artefacts that we recommend that you pay a visit to the 'Xeno Archaeology and Civilizations Museum' in Ghandi, Alioth. Alien Artefacts are so scarcely traded on the ZITCO Stockmarket that there are rumours that Alien Artefacts may be removed as a category altogether. Though it is more likely that it would be move to the Luxury Goods category, which already deals with high value pieces of art.

Typical galactic prices

Standard Rate: 2,000.0 Cr to 3,000.0 Cr

Blackmarket Estimate: n/a

Trade Status in Indaol: Neither exported nor imported to Indaol.

References

[1] Redman A. (n/a). 'Imprint'. [2] n/a. (1999). 'IBM World Book'. CDROM [3] Braben D. (1993). 'Frontier: Elite II - Manual'. Konami. http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/docs_print.php?id=679 [4] Jansson N. (2010). 'Frontier: Elite II paper models'. http://www.itchstudios.com [5] (n/a). (n/a). 'Trade Goods'. http://www.ironfrost.co.uk/elite/tradegoods.html

Links

• Trade (FE2/FFE)